Betagan is a prescription eye drop used to treat high eye pressure or chronic open angle glaucoma. This eMedTV Web segment describes how this medication works, offers information on how to use the eye drop, and lists some side effects that may occur.
Common side effects of Betagan include eye burning or stinging and inflammation of the lining of the eyelid. This eMedTV page lists other common side effects and also explains which problems are potentially serious and require prompt medical care.
As this eMedTV page explains, Betagan may be prescribed to lower eye pressure in people with open angle glaucoma. This article covers the uses of Betagan in more detail, explains how this eye drop works, and discusses its use in children.
As this eMedTV page explains, the recommended starting dose of Betagan is one to two drops in the affected eye(s) once or twice daily. This article provides more detailed dosing guidelines and includes several tips on how to safely use this eye drop.
Other beta blockers, reserpine, and digoxin may cause potentially serious drug interactions with Betagan. This eMedTV page lists other medications that may interfere with Betagan and describes the complications that these interactions may cause.
You may not be able to take Betagan if you have certain medical conditions, such as COPD or heart block. This eMedTV page further discusses important warnings and precautions for Betagan, including what to tell your doctor before using this eye drop.
If you take an overdose of Betagan (levobunolol), it can result in potentially dangerous complications. This eMedTV Web page describes the possible symptoms of an overdose and outlines some treatment options that are available in the case of an overdose.
Betagan (levobunolol) may not be safe during pregnancy, as it is a pregnancy Category C drug. This eMedTV Web segment provides more information on pregnancy and Betagan, including details on the problems that occurred during animal studies.
No studies have been done to see if Betagan (levobunolol) passes through breast milk in humans. This eMedTV Web resource offers more details on breastfeeding and Betagan, including information on what the manufacturer of the drug recommends.
Currently, there are generic versions of Betagan (levobunolol) available. This eMedTV Web article takes a closer look at the generic eye drops, including information on the various strengths and whether the generics are as good as the brand-name drug.
